March 9, 2015 board minutes

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

March 9, 2015

Board Minutes

 

President Lundahl called the regular meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Board members Peasley, Funk, Smiarowski, Evans and Lundahl were present. Also in attendance were Superintendent Miller, Principals Hunt and Snyder and Secretary Rash. Linda Grismore was also present. Smiarowski made a motion to approve the consent agenda including agenda approval, approval of February minutes, which included both the regular and special meetings, and open enrollment requests into the district. Evans seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda with all voting in favor. After discussing the monthly bills presented for payment, Evans made a motion to approve the month’s bills of accounting. The motion was seconded by Funk with all voting aye. Smiarowski made a motion to approve Resolution 2015 for a Voluntary Early Retirement Plan. An employee would have to be at least 55 years of age, have served at least 10 years in the district and be a certified, full time teacher in order to be eligible. Peasley made the second with all voting in favor. Next on the agenda was approving the date for the public hearing for the FY2016 Budget. Smiarowski made a motion to hold a public hearing for the FY 2016 Budget at the next Board meeting on April 13, 7:30 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. The budget is required to be filed with the state by April 15th. Peasley seconded the motion with all voting aye. A Budget Resolution stating the District will levy property tax for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section, 257.14, Code of Iowa was passed. Evans made the motion with Smiarowski seconding. All present voted aye. Smiarowski moved to approve the Educational Services Contracts with SWCC. SWCC provides college courses to Mormon Trail High School students. Funk made the second with all voting aye. Smiarowski made a motion to set the public hearing for the District’s internet policies for April 13, 2015 7:45 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. The District’s internet policy must follow the Internet Child Protection Act. Peasley seconded the motion with all voting aye. Elementary Principal, Mike Snyder reported that the Elementary students enjoyed their recent field trip to the Des Moines Playhouse to watch the production of “The somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood”. Rock n Prevention will be presented to the Elementary April 8th. The Spring Concert will be held April 7th. Snyder also announced Kindergarten Roundup will be held March 27th. Winter sports wrapped up the season last week with their annual banquet. Spring sports will soon be underway. Snyder reminds sports followers that they can keep up with the goings on of the Blue Grass Conference by checking out www.bluegrassconference.org . Secondary Principal Hunt reported that Mona Baker and the Mormon Trail FFA Chapter held their first FFA Week as a new group with some fun activities the latter part of March. The week ended with a spaghetti supper fundraiser. Hunt said that the JR/SR High students, along with the Elementary students, went to Corydon last week and enjoyed a program sponsored by the Wayne County Development Corporation. Members of the boys and girls basketball teams went to watch the State Basketball Tournaments in Des Moines. High School students will be job shadowing in April. Hunt also reported there have been very few mishaps or maintenance issues with the Chromebooks being used at the Secondary level. Students are utilizing them for many activities in classrooms. Hunt estimates that paper usage has gone done around 30% this year. Alan Miller, District Superintendent, reported that Chromebooks have been integrated into the 5th Grade classroom. The students are enjoying learning on them. Miller also gave an update on the security cameras that are being installed in both locations, saying that they will be fully functional as early as the end of the month. The e-rate program, the school calendar, early start date, negotiations and the real estate purchase in Humeston were briefly discussed. Miller said it was very difficult, without knowing what supplemental state aid the District will receive, to move forward with any sort of salary negotiations for 2015-2016. Mark Smiarowski updated the Board on the new speed/agility program. Training has recently started with several interested in the program. Funk made the motion to adjourn with Peasley seconding the motion. All voted aye and President Lundahl adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held April 13th @ 7:30 pm in the Elementary Library.

 

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President, Board of Education                                       Secretary, Board of Education

 

 

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Date

 

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer